Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Oh this time of year is so fun!
Me and Hazey, yesterday.
Enjoying the fall weather!

pumpkin carving


 
I am so glad I married this guy.

Look at these three cuties! Two skeletons and a football player.



Willem had a fun class party today! Here are some of his friends.

Willem and his beautiful teacher!
                          We are excited to TRICK OR TREAT tonight! Happy Halloween to ALL!!




Friday, October 28, 2011

Fall --- oh how I love this time of year!




Tea and black bottom cupcakes, yum!
My black bottom cupcake recipe is really simple. I buy the cake mix that make 12 cup cakes.
If you buy a small cake mix like that, each cupcake has lots of the yummy cream
cheese filling!! Prepare cake mix according to instructions on box. Poor batter
into 12 muffin cups. Or, I like to do two mini loaf pans and 6 cupcakes.
For the filling: 1 oz block of cream cheese softened, 1 egg and 1/4 cup sugar oh and chocolate chips! 1/2 cup - 1 cup. Bake according to instructions on cake mix. These are wonderful.

This has been a really good week. The boys are loving school. Willem's brain is a sponge! Oh I can't believe all he is learning. It is so wonderful!!
Merit's problem solving is impressive. It is really fun to see what they have learned. We have, once again, been blessed with FABULOUS teachers! Both of these boys have the most terrific, talented teachers who LOVE their jobs! I am so thankful for these dedicated teachers.

On Tuesday I had tea and goodies with a friend here and we went on a fall walk... oh how good for the soul!
Then yesterday, I hosted a little card making evening in our cozy cabin. We especially enjoy our cabin this time of year. It is a warm, cozy retreat. I wish I would have gotten some pictures down there!
Oh well, I hope to do it again in November.





The leaves are so pretty! And Willem loves to rake!


I have five photo shoots this weekend! Whew! It will be busy, but fun.
This is the BEST time of year to take pictures!


The kids are really excited for Halloween (Willem especially).
It will be a fun weekend.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Birthday Month

October is probably my favorite month of the year. I LOVE Autumn, I love soccer, I love the cozy feeling of this time of year and celebrating Merit and Hazel's birthdays this month is pretty fun  (and busy!) too. Willem has a January birthday which is great too! Something to look forward to in that month after Christmas.

On Merit's birthday Merit had a soccer game and on Hazel's birthday Merit had a soccer game!! It is a good thing all the kids love going, because soccer has been our regular activity. :)

After the soccer game on Merit's birthday, we went out fo Mexican food with Grandpa Vic and Gramma Kris. Merit was so excited to wear a sombrero and have a bunch of people sing Happy Birthday to him!!




The day before Hazel's Bday, I bought some cupcakes.
Once the boys had left for school on Thursday Hazel enjoyed a cupcake. :)
It is a good thing, because ON her birthday there was no cake!
Come to think of it, she still needs to blow out two candles! :)






When Hazel woke up on her birthday, we gave her
a Little People Noah's Ark set. She loves it!
That little morning face and morning hair is pretty sweet.

Willem could not wait to give her a pink baby doll
stroller! Her expression shows how excited she was!


At the soccer game she opened a gift from Gramma and Grandpa!
A beautiful new outfit, a book and a doll.

Big Brother helps!

After the soccer game, we went to the bowling alley and arcade.
Hazel did a little dance when we arrived.

The next day it was a big birthday party here! 18 kids!
Merit's soccer team was here and several kids from school.


Matt and Phil visited this weekend.
It was fun to have them here. Phillip helped me SO much with
the birthday party!
The kids loved having them here too.


I am so grateful for time spent with these guys.
Brothers are so great.


Friday, October 21, 2011

Our sweet Hazel is TWO!

Happy 2nd Birthday Hazel!!


Adored from the very start



Case and Hazel

I really didn't think this little Hazel would end up being so blonde!


Hazel and Kyrie -- her California buddy

Kendal and Hazel on Grandpa Vic's lap








Crescent Bar Fun!!

Hazel and Grandpa Jim


Hazel and Jocelynne




Hazel, we thank God for you!
You have brought us SO much JOY!!!
Happy Second Birthday Sweetie!!!

A Wednesday update

The weather today is gorgeous! I went outdoors with the second-grade class I was teaching today. We looked for a ring a student had lost (an...